Report: HR Leaders Lack Confidence in Employee Skill Visibility Amid AI Advancements

Phoenix, Arizona – September 25, 2026 – A substantial portion of U.S. HR leaders lack confidence in their ability to identify employee skills, particularly as artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce, according to the University of Phoenix's new Future of Skills Development report.

The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll among 755 HR leaders, found that 64% are very confident they know the specific skills employees require for their jobs. However, only 43% expressed strong confidence that employees actually possess these necessary skills, highlighting a significant visibility gap in organizational capabilities.

The report indicates that organizations face a dual challenge as AI, automation, and emerging technologies transform roles and workflows: understanding evolving skill requirements and gaining clearer insight into existing employee capabilities. The rapid advancement of AI is identified as the primary source of uncertainty for future workforce skills planning, cited by 27% of respondents.

HR leaders are prioritizing a mix of skills, with 59% focusing on soft or durable skills like communication and problem-solving, compared to 37% emphasizing technical skills. The research underscores the need for both employees and employers to improve skill identification and assessment. Digital credentials, such as micro-credentials and digital badges, are becoming increasingly common for skill verification, with 71% of HR leaders reporting their departments utilize these methods when evaluating candidates.